Just about the time Gov. Brown was talking about clearing the field of the array of tax proposals aimed at the November 2012 ballot, state Democratic Party boss John Burton was filing his own -- to establish a 12.5 percent oil severance tax in California.
From John Myers at KQED: "The idea of a tax on oil production in California isn't new. Not only has it been bandied about a lot in the last couple of years, but Burton points out that similar proposals were floated both by himself in the 1970s and by the late Gov. Pat Brown in 1959."
"Burton's proposal (PDF) is pretty straightforward, and would assess a 12.5% tax per barrel of oil, with exceptions made for low-producing oil wells. Most of the money would be earmarked for higher education (including community colleges), with the remainder going back in the state's general fund. The Burton initiative would also establish a new oversight committee for higher education that would have a say in doling out the revenues."
"It's a statement of what we want to do," says Burton, who admits that the "we" is pretty much -- for now -- limited to him. However, the state Democratic Party has endorsed a so-called oil severance tax."
"Burton, who turns 79 tomorrow, is a cagey politician who got tongues wagging last week with his... pointed... comments in a segment on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." He says he didn't consult with Governor Brown on the initiative, but would be happy to talk about it with his fellow Democrat."
California's newly installed "top two" primary system is a lot more complicated than it sounds, and the conventional wisdom may well turn out wrong. Redistricting Partners' Paul Mitchell tells the tale in Capitol Weekly.
"I have heard Sacramento insiders claim the system awards the victory outright to anyone who gets over 50 percent in the primary. Not true."
"I have heard PAC directors say they are not going to spend money until November because none of these races will be decided in June. Not wise."
"I’ve heard consultants retooling campaigns because Republicans will be voting for the best Democrat and Democrats will vote for the best Republican. An overstatement at best."
"The Top Two primary system will allow all candidates to run on the same ballot, designating themselves as “preferring” a party or no party at all. Voters will be able to vote for anyone. And the top two candidates, no matter if one gets 99 percent and the other gets 1 percent, will go on to the General Election."
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has undergone his share of controversies during his political career, appears to be in the midst of a transition to family man and father.
From Capitol Weekly's Cindy Baker: "It’s been a good morning, but my wife is gone so I was with my two kids and so I’ve changed already,” offers Newsom in a somewhat apologetic tone. “And my son, he just ‘bleh’ all over me. It’s so cliché, I’m in my suit, I’m ready to go and just ‘bleh!’ It was so cute. So I haven’t done anything all day,” he says gesturing to a well-worn leather attaché case, “but I did important things with the kids.”
"In the 16 years that he’s been on the political scene, Newsom’s profile continues to evolve. Not a bad political profile, either: He’s got wealth, an impressive resume, movie-star good looks and solid fund-raising connections. He’s in a striking position for governor or a U.S. Senate seat – although he’s careful not to discuss his plans."
"The effects of his past controversies – from progressive policy issues to a stormy, short-lived run for governor to very public marital strife and a highly visible affair – have prompted the former San Francisco mayor to define himself not by his past but by what he sees as the growing potential of his future."
There's something about the U.S. Patent Office that California just can't resist: The Golden State wants its own branch office of the venerable institution. Greg Lucas tells the tale in Capitol Weekly.
"California is among a growing number of states – at least 20 at current count – competing fiercely for the chance to house one of at least two new federal offices that will employ, at best, 125 people."
"Why the heavy breathing over a handful of new offices whose job total barely dents California’s 2.1 million unemployed workers? Because they’re satellite branches of the United States Patent and Trademark Office – the first to be opened since the Patent Act of 1790 and Thomas Jefferson’s stint as one of the nation’s first patent commissioners."
"A regional patent office gives a state bragging rights and acts as a magnet to attract other businesses. Jefferson would likely approve of the creation of the three regional offices authorized by the America Invents Act signed by Pres. Obama in September."
UC officials and student protesters agree on one thing: If the fee and tuition hikes continue, so will the demonstrations. The LAT's Mike Mishak has the story.
"State lawmakers grilled University of California officials Wednesday over the controversial pepper-spraying of student protesters at UC Davis, only to be warned by those administrators — however conciliatory — that more protests are inevitable if the Legislature keeps cutting funds for higher education."
"The university administrators gave a legislative committee the same combination of apology and defense they have offered since the incident sparked nationwide outrage last month and became a rallying point for the Occupy movement."
"UC President Mark G. Yudof said the university had launched an independent investigation of the Davis incident and formed a task force to review its use-of-force and demonstration policies at all 10 campuses."
